2016年01月31日

January 30, 2016 (Mainichi Japan)Main opposition DPJ holds convention, may merge to form new party民主党大会 新党も選択肢

The main opposition Democratic Party of Japan may seek to form a new party through a proposed merger with a smaller opposition party ahead of a parliamentary election this summer, DPJ President Katsuya Okada said Saturday at a party convention in Tokyo.

Okada expressed his intention to begin negotiations with Japan Innovation Party leader Yorihisa Matsuno over the idea of merging their parties in an effort to confront the ruling bloc in the upcoming House of Councillors election.

The two parties formed a joint parliamentary group in the House of Representatives in December. Differing opinions remain, however, among the members of the two opposition parties about the proposed merger.

"The formation of a new party is not being ruled out as an option. What is important is whether we would be able to share policies and philosophies in common and whether we would be able to pursue political cooperation to earnestly try to take over the reins of the government," Okada said.

"I hope to hold substantive talks with Mr. Matsuno, leader of the Innovation Party. The outcome we would agree on would be presented to party organizations," he said.

Matsuno and Rikio Kozu, president of the Japanese Trade Union Confederation, or Rengo, were among the guests at the DPJ convention held at a Tokyo hotel.

The DPJ adopted a fiscal 2016 action plan stressing the importance of opposition forces getting together to fight the ruling bloc led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Liberal Democratic Party in the upper house election, citing the possibility of a lower house election being held at the same time.

2016年01月30日

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) on Jan. 29 announced plans to introduce a negative interest rate to demonstrate its strong commitment to achieving a 2 percent inflation target. 日銀が異例のマイナス金利を導入した背景には、デフレ脱却に向けて掲げた２％の物価目標を達成する強い意志を示す狙いがある。

The central bank took the initiative after concluding that it would be difficult to attain its objective at an early date by simply focusing on monetary volume through massive purchases of government bonds. これまでの日銀は国債を大量に購入することで市場にお金を流す「量」を重視してきたが、お金の量を操作するだけでは２％の物価目標の早期達成が困難になったと判断したためだ。

The BOJ maintains that its ''qualitative and quantitative monetary easing'' policy has produced results. Its decision to add interest rates to that policy reflects the central bank's plan to implement a flexible monetary policy. 日銀は国債を買い入れて市場にお金を流す「質的・量的金融緩和」について、「所期の効果を発揮している」としてきたが、「量」と「質」に「金利」を加えることでより柔軟に政策を運営していく考えだ。

In its new outlook report, the BOJ aims to achieve its inflation target in more than four years, instead of an initial objective of around two years. It says it is difficult to attribute the difficulty in achieving the 2 percent target to oil price declines. The BOJ was under pressure to further strengthen its monetary policy. 今回まとめた展望リポートでは、２％の物価目標の達成時期が当初の「２年程度」から４年以上に後ずれした。その理由を「原油の下落」だけで説明するのは厳しく、金融政策の一段の強化が求められていた。

Financial markets have experienced confusion due to the Chinese economic slowdown and falling crude oil prices since the start of this year. If the BOJ had failed to take additional monetary easing measures, its resolve to achieve its 2 percent inflation target would have been questioned, and it would have faced the disappointment of its monetary policy having reached its limits. 年明け以降、中国経済の失速や原油価格の下落を受けて市場が混乱する中、今回、日銀が追加緩和を見送れば２％目標達成への本気度を疑われるとともに、「日銀の金融政策は限界」との失望を買う恐れがあった。

The BOJ thus was under pressure to implement a new set of monetary easing steps to surprise markets and renew its strong will to achieve a 2 percent inflation target. 市場のサプライズを起こす金融緩和を実施し、２％の物価目標達成に向けて強い意志を示す必要に迫られていた。

2016年01月29日

The Yomiuri ShimbunExpand voting opportunities for youths in upper house election this summer１８歳選挙権 参院選の投票機会を広げたい

The central and local governments, as well as political parties, must cooperate to create an environment in which young people who become newly eligible voters can use that right properly. 新たに有権者に加わる若者が適正に選挙権を行使する。政府や自治体、政党が連携し、その環境整備を図りたい。

A lawmaker-initiated bill to revise the Public Offices Election Law was approved unanimously at a special committee of the House of Councillors. The bill is designed to eliminate cases in which young people who are expected to change their residence this spring cannot vote in the House of Councillors election slated for this summer. The committee’s approval makes it certain that the bill will be passed into law shortly. 今春転居する予定の若者が夏の参院選で投票できない事態を解消する議員立法の公職選挙法改正案が、参院の特別委員会で全会一致で可決された。近く成立することが確実になった。

Under the current law, only eligible voters who have lived at their present residence for more than three months are listed on the voting register of municipal governments − villages, towns, wards or cities − and are able to cast ballots. 現行法では、現住所で３か月以上居住している有権者でなければ、その市区町村の選挙人名簿に登録されず、投票できない。

Should the upper house election be officially announced on June 23, with voting to be held and the ballots counted on July 10, that would prevent from voting young people aged 18 or 19 who may change residences in order to enter the next stage of education or start working on March 23 or later. 仮に参院選の日程が「６月２３日公示―７月１０日投開票」の場合、１８〜１９歳の若者は、進学や就職などで３月２３日以降に転居すると、投票が一切できなくなる。

This would have affected about 70,000 of the about 2.4 million youths who are expected to become newly eligible voters. With the legal revision, they will be able to cast their votes in the municipality where they lived before their move. 新たな有権者約２４０万人のうち約７万人に影響する恐れがあったという。法改正により、転居前の自治体で投票が可能になる。

The lowering of the minimum voting age to 18 will encourage the young generation to participate in the political process, and may be an important turning point in expanding the base for democracy. Settling the legal deficiency and securing their opportunity to vote are appropriate measures. 選挙権年齢の「１８歳以上」への引き下げは、若い世代の政治参加を促し、民主主義の裾野を広げる重要な契機となり得る。法律の不備を解消し、投票機会を確保するのは、適切な措置である。

The election administration commission of each municipality must expedite such efforts as making systems modifications to voter registration to ensure smooth implementation. 各選挙管理委員会は、選挙人名簿のシステム改修などを急ぎ、円滑な執行に努めねばならない。

More voting venues

The central government plans to submit a bill to revise the Public Offices Election Law, designed to enhance voters’ convenience, and have it passed into law. 政府も今国会に、投票の利便性を高める公選法改正案を提出し、成立を図る方針だ。

Presently, voting on election day is limited to one polling place designated for each voter. With the government-initiated revision, voters will also be able to submit their ballots at a “common voting place,” to be newly set up at such venues as commercial facilities and stations. Voting hours will also be extended on days prior to the election day. 今は、投票日の投票は指定の投票所１か所に限られるが、商業施設や駅などに新設する「共通投票所」も利用可能にする。期日前投票の投票時間も拡大する。

The revision is also intended to expand the range of minors allowed to accompany a voter into a polling station from infants, as stipulated in the present law, to people under 18. This is expected to help future voters feel familiar with casting ballots. 有権者が投票所に同伴できる対象も「幼児」から「１８歳未満」に広げるという。将来の有権者に、投票を身近に感じてもらう効果が期待できよう。

We hope the central and local governments will proactively work on building an environment in which voters are able to cast their votes with ease, while adopting all possible measures to prevent such dishonest acts as double voting and avoid errors. 政府や自治体は、二重投票など不正やミスの防止に万全を期しつつ、投票しやすい環境作りに前向きに取り組んでもらいたい。

The turnout rate in various elections has been declining over many years, and the low interest in politics among young people is also a cause for concern. It is necessary to proactively enlighten young people about the importance of elections, which are the basis of democracy. 各種選挙の投票率は長年、低下傾向にある。若い世代の政治への関心の薄さも懸念される。民主主義の根幹である選挙の重要性の積極的な啓発が求められる。

With an eye on the upper house election, political parties are throwing their energy into holding discussion meetings to be attended by legislators and students, and into transmitting information. We hope the parties utilize their exchanges with young people in their policy making. 各党は、参院選に向け、議員と学生による討論会や情報発信などに力を入れている。若者との交流を政策立案に生かしてほしい。

Schools have already started such activities as inviting people including officials from local election administration commissions to help students learn about the Public Offices Election Law and the voting process and hold mock elections with fictitious candidates. With cooperation from such entities as local assemblies, opportunities should also be increased for students to talk with assembly members. 教育現場では、選管職員らを招いて、公選法や投票方法の学習、架空の候補者を設定した模擬選挙などが始まっている。地方議会などの協力を得て、議員との対話の機会なども増やすべきだろう。

It is important to promote more pragmatic learning aimed at enhancing young people’s awareness as voters, while securing political impartiality. 政治的中立性を担保しながら、より実践的な主権者教育を進めることが大切である。

2016年01月28日

How can we overcome social disparities that have become too commonplace today? 私たちの社会で日常化している不平等を、どう克服していくべきか。

This was one of the urgent questions posed to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the Diet on Jan. 26, the first day of this year’s questioning session by lawmakers representing their parties. きのう始まった国会の代表質問では、この喫緊の課題に向けた質疑も交わされた。

The Diet has a host of other crucial issues to address, such as the economy, diplomacy and national security, as well as the money scandal embroiling Akira Amari, the minister in charge of economic revitalization. 経済成長や外交・安全保障政策、そして甘利経済再生相の金銭授受疑惑の解明――。いずれも、いま国会が取り組むべき重要な課題である。

But the growing disparities around the nation between regular and part-time employees, men and women, the big cities and the provinces and so on, are in special need of prompt attention. ただ、正社員と非正社員、男と女、都市と地方など日本社会で拡大しつつある様々な格差、すなわち不平等の解消は、とりわけ対応が急がれる。

Democratic Party of Japan leader Katsuya Okada said, “We would like to propose specific measures for correcting the disparities and ensuring a fair distribution of benefits.” 民主党の岡田代表は「格差是正、公正な分配のための具体策について提案したい」と語り、

One of the initiatives he proposed was to increase the per-child amount of child-care benefits, and to raise the upper age limit for eligible children. To secure funding, Okada suggested increasing tax on financial incomes and reinforcing the progressivity of income and inheritance taxes.児童手当の１人あたり支給額や児童扶養手当の支給対象年齢の引き上げなどを挙げ、財源として金融課税や所得税・相続税の累進強化を示した。

Prime Minister Abe promised in his policy speech to take further steps to realize his “equal pay for equal work” concept. Okada asked if Abe’s objective matches the DPJ’s demand for “equal treatment” of regular and part-time employees. また、安倍首相が施政方針演説で「実現に踏み込む」とした同一労働同一賃金について、もともと民主党が訴えているような正規と非正規雇用の「均等待遇」をめざすのかとただした。

Japan Innovation Party leader Yorihisa Matsuno referred to the number of people who are not paying into the national pension program and demanded swift action. 維新の党の松野代表も、国民年金保険料を払っていない人などの数字をあげて、早急な対応を求めた。

According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the relative poverty rate in Japan was 16.1 percent in 2012, which represented a gradual year-on-year growth. Limited to younger households consisting of members under 30 years old, the rate was 27.8 percent, and a much higher 54.6 percent for single-parent households. 厚生労働省の調査によれば、日本の相対的貧困率は２０１２年で１６・１％。年々少しずつ増加している。３０歳未満の若年世帯では２７・８％、１人親世帯では５４・６％にも達している。

Acknowledging this reality, Abe replied, “We will continue to review and improve matters related to employment and social security to prevent the disparities from becoming permanent.” 首相もこうした現状を踏まえ、「格差が固定化しないよう雇用環境の改善や社会保障環境の改善の見直しを行っていく」と応じた。

But the prime minister’s response to Okada’s proposals was somewhat too abstract to be satisfactory.ただ、岡田氏の提案への首相の答弁はやや抽象的で、物足りなさが残った。

In his policy speech on Jan. 22, Abe attacked opposition parties and said, “An attitude of spending all one’s time simply criticizing, without putting forward any counterproposals, and expecting that everything will ‘all work out somehow’ is truly irresponsible towards the public.”Abe then addressed the opposition camp, saying, “Instead, shall we not pit concrete policies against each other and hold constructive discussions?” 首相はさきの施政方針演説で、「批判だけに明け暮れ、対案を示さず、後は『どうにかなる』。そういう態度は、国民に対して誠に無責任だ」と野党を批判し、「具体的な政策をぶつけあい、建設的な議論を行おう」と呼びかけた。

When he said that, he must have been thinking of the attitude of the DPJ and other parties toward the national security legislation and constitutional amendment. But surely, it is anything but “irresponsible” to resist any policy that goes against the Constitution. And it is only natural to be alarmed by the prime minister’s resolve to change the Constitution at all costs. 首相の念頭には、安保関連法制や憲法改正への民主党などの対応があるのだろう。だが、憲法を逸脱する政策に反対を貫くことが無責任とは言えないし、内容より改憲ありきの首相の姿勢を警戒するのは当然だ。

In fact, it is the prime minister himself who needs to live up to his responsibility of responding “concretely and constructively” to questions and proposals put forth by the opposition camp. むしろ首相の方こそ、野党の疑問や提案に対して、「具体的に、建設的に」答える責任を果たしてもらいたい。

With the Upper House election coming up this summer, the current Diet session is expected to be a “short-term battle.” But there are numerous issues that need to be discussed, and the money scandal must be probed to everyone’s satisfaction. 夏に参院選を控えたこの国会は短期戦とも言われる。一方、論ずべき課題は山積みであり、疑惑の解明も必須だ。

The session must not be allowed to become an ugly sparring contest, fought only with the upcoming election in mind.選挙を意識した批判合戦に終わらせてはならない。

2016年01月27日

The Yomiuri ShimbunChina must desist from its hardline moves to suppress human rights中国の人権弾圧 身勝手な力の統治が目に余る

Chinese President Xi Jinping has apparently been further escalating his rule with force. 中国の習近平国家主席が、力による統治を一段とエスカレートさせているということだろう。

The Xi administration put in force an “antiterrorism law” this month. The law makes it obligatory for Internet service providers and others to provide technical support to Chinese authorities to help decrypt information to prevent terrorist activities. The law also prohibits media from reporting terrorist activities in detail on the grounds that it might inspire copycat attacks. 習政権が今月、「反テロ法」を施行した。インターネットサービス企業などを対象に、テロ防止のため暗号解読技術を提供するよう義務づけている。模倣されかねないテロを詳細に報じることも禁じた。

Concerns are only rising in the international community that restrictions on activities of foreign companies operating in China and controls on the freedom of speech and news reporting will be tightened further in the country. 外国企業の活動規制や言論・報道統制が強化されるとの懸念が、国際社会で高まる一方である。

The antiterrorism law defines terrorism as “propositions and actions that generate social panic by such means as violence so as to achieve their political objectives.” 反テロ法はテロについて、「暴力などの手段で社会をパニックに陥れ、その政治目的を実現する主張と行為」と定義している。

It is problematic that there is a possibility that by merely making propositions that are not accepted by the Chinese authorities, one can be punished. The definition of terrorist activities is also vague, leaving plenty of room for discretion. 中国当局が認めていない主張をしただけで処罰される可能性があるのは問題だ。テロ活動の規定も曖昧で、裁量の余地が大きい。

There is a serious possibility of the authorities’ using the law arbitrarily to suppress the Uighur minority group under the guise of taking measures to fight against terrorism committed by Islamist extremists. 深刻なのは、イスラム過激派のテロ対策に名を借りて、少数民族のウイグル族の抑圧に法を恣意しい的に利用する恐れがあることだ。

Late last year, prior to the enforcement of the new law, a Beijing-based reporter for a French news magazine who wrote articles critical of China’s policy on the Uighur minority was effectively expelled from the country. 施行前の昨年末には、ウイグル族政策を批判する記事を書いた北京駐在の仏誌記者が既に、事実上の国外退去処分となっている。

China, under the one-party rule of the Communist Party, touts “the rule of law.” But there is no judicial independence in the country. The law is a means to carry out the rule of the party thoroughly. 共産党の一党独裁下にある中国は、「法治」を掲げながらも、「司法の独立」はない。法は党の統治を徹底するための手段だ。

Ominous disappearances

Neither can it be overlooked that the authorities, in an arbitrary crackdown, have detained a large number of lawyers and activists who were striving to defend human rights. 人権擁護に努める弁護士や活動家らを多数拘束し、一方的に弾圧している状況も看過できまい。

Earlier this month, a Swedish man working on human rights issues in China was taken into custody. He was detained for allegedly “posing a threat to national security,” by extending support to human rights lawyers with financial aid from foreign nongovernmental organizations and other entities. 今月も、中国の人権問題に取り組むスウェーデン人男性を拘束した。海外の民間活動団体（ＮＧＯ）などから資金援助を受けて人権派弁護士を支援し、「国家の安全を脅かした」のが理由という。

Xi has been solidifying his power base by removing his political enemies through the exposure of their corruption. Despite that, however, he may still harbor a strong sense of crisis over the possibility that public discontent, rooted in factors such as the country’s economic slowdown, may swell because such values as democracy and human rights may spread in society. 習氏は、汚職摘発で政敵を排除し、権力基盤を固めてきた。それでも依然として、民主主義や人権などの価値観が社会に浸透し、経済の減速などで国民の不満が膨らむことに強い危機感を持っているのではないか。

Also, it cannot be tolerated that China has been bringing its high-handed methods to Hong Kong, where the “one country, two systems” applies. 「一国二制度」が適用されている香港に、中国式の強権的手法を持ち込むことも容認できない。

In Hong Kong, five people related to a local bookstore − its shareholders, the store manager and others − reportedly disappeared. The store was selling “banned books” that are critical of China, and their publication or sale is prohibited in mainland China. 香港では、書店の株主や店長ら関係者５人が相次いで失踪する事件が起きた。書店は、中国本土で出版や販売ができない中国に批判的な「発禁本」を扱っていた。

The Chinese authorities admitted that two of the five are indeed in mainland China, but emphasized that they went there of their own volition. 中国側は、このうち２人が本土にいると認めたが、自らの判断で入ったなどと強調している。

The authorities are trying to fend off criticism that, with no investigative authority, they have allegedly taken people related to the case from Hong Kong to the mainland and put them into custody. 捜査権限もないのに、中国当局が香港から関係者を連行、拘束したとの批判をかわす狙いだろう。

Should the hauling of those people before the Chinese authorities be a fact, it is a grave situation that would overturn Hong Kong’s “high degree of autonomy.” It is the responsibility of the Xi administration to give a thorough explanation of the matter not only to the residents of Hong Kong but also to the world.連行が事実なら、「高度な自治」を覆す由々ゆゆしい事態だ。香港住民だけでなく、世界に説明を尽くすことが習政権の責任である。

2016年01月26日

Industrial food waste, which should have been properly disposed of, has been found to be circulating in the market disguised as food products. 本来は処分されなければならない産業廃棄物が「食品」に化け、市場に出回っていた。

The illegal sale of waste food items by an industrial waste disposal company in Aichi Prefecture surfaced after frozen beef cutlets discarded from Ichibanya Co., operator of a national chain of curry houses, were found on sale. There are indications that some of the cutlets had thawed before they appeared on the market, which could have harmed consumers' health. カレーチェーンを全国展開する壱番屋の冷凍カツで発覚した、愛知県の産廃業者による廃棄食品の横流し。市場に出回るまでに冷凍が解けた形跡があり、消費者に健康被害をもたらす可能性もあった。

The company’s chairman has admitted to his lawyer that he committed the irregularity for the sake of sales. We are only left to stare dumbfounded at the way rules were ignored.業者は弁護士に「売るためにやった」と認めている。ルールを無視した行為に驚くばかりだ。

One hundred and eight other items were found at facilities of a company in Gifu Prefecture, which bought the cutlets from the industrial waste disposal company and resold them. To current knowledge, those products come from manufacturers and distributors based in 25 areas ranging from Hokkaido to Miyazaki Prefecture. 産廃業者からカツを買って転売した岐阜県の業者の施設からはほかにも１０８品目が見つかった。現時点で、製造・販売元は北海道から宮崎県まで２５自治体に及ぶ。

The food items, likely diverted off legal sales channels, include products from such major firms as Aeon Co. and Marukome Co.横流しされたとみられる食品にはイオンやマルコメなどの商品も含まれる。

We are only left to watch the extent of the scandal’s reach. We hope the police will investigate the case through and through. The government should also conduct a nationwide survey.問題はどこまで広がるのか。警察の徹底的な捜査を期待したい。国も全国的な調査をすべきだ。

The frozen beef cutlets in question, which had been discarded due to the suspected mixing in of foreign substances, returned to the channels of budget markets and were passed on among more than one tier of brokers after they were sold by the company in Gifu Prefecture. 問題の冷凍カツは異物混入の恐れがあり、破棄されたものだが、岐阜県の業者の手を離れたあとは「格安市場」のルートに乗り、複数の仲買業者の間で転売された。

“We never suspected the products were waste items, because we know stock items are sometimes distributed at low prices,” one of the brokers said.「在庫が安く出回ることはある。廃棄物とは思わなかった」と語る業者もいた。

But how could one assess the safety of food products without identifying their origins? だが素性の確認なしに、食品の安全性は判断できまい。

Irresponsible transactions could pour cold water on serious efforts at offering budget prices to meet consumer demand and on the activity of food banks and other entities that are providing surplus food items, which have no quality issues, to impoverished people and others. 無責任な取引は、消費者ニーズに応えようと真面目に格安販売に取り組む人や、品質に問題のない余剰食品を生活困窮者らに提供するフードバンクなどの活動にも水を差しかねない。

Ichibanya, which saw its products mishandled, had left the cutlets intact when it commissioned the industrial waste disposal company to dispose of them. They ended up being sold illegally, partly because they retained the appearance of food products. 製品を悪用された壱番屋は、産廃業者に処理を委託する際、カツに手を加えていなかった。食品の形をとどめていたことが横流しを招く一因となった。

Ichibanya made the right move by promptly formulating improvement measures after the scandal came to light. The company has said it will henceforth ensure its waste food products are destroyed so they can no longer be reused, or alternatively, if that is not possible, make sure its employees attend the disposal process, down to the final stages, for visual confirmation. 問題発覚を受け、壱番屋がいち早く改善策を打ち出したことは当然だ。今後は再利用できない形で廃棄し、それができない場合は最終処理まで社員が立ち会い、目視で確認するという。

We hope those measures will help prevent a recurrence of improprieties.再発防止に役立ててほしい。

Other food manufacturers should also intensify their monitoring to ensure their waste items are being properly processed. 食品製造に関わるほかの事業者も、適正な処理がなされているか監視を強める必要がある。

The waste management and public cleansing law stipulates that dischargers of business-related wastes should be responsible for their disposal. 廃棄物処理法が定めるように、事業活動にともなう廃棄物は、排出者自らが処理に責任を持たなければならない。

Two and a half million tons of food items are discarded annually in Japan as industrial waste. That immensity is partially attributed to the so-called “one-third rule” of the food industry, a business practice whereby products are not allowed to be delivered to retailers when one-third of the period from the manufacture date through the best-before date has passed, and whereby retailers take them off the shelves when two-thirds of that period have elapsed. 国内で出る食品の産廃は年間２５０万トンにも及ぶ。その一因とされるのが食品業界の「３分の１ルール」だ。製造から賞味期限までの３分の１を過ぎた商品は小売店へ納品できず、小売店は３分の２を経過した時点で店頭から下げる商習慣だ。

Mass disposal of food products that remain edible is a built-in feature of Japan’s food industry. One could say the latest scandal thrust that reality back into the spotlight. まだ食べられる食品が、大量に破棄されることが織り込まれている日本の「食」――。今回の問題は、その現実を改めて白日の下にさらしたとも言える。

2016年01月25日

The Yomiuri ShimbunPursue scientific advancements that will facilitate life for future generations科学技術計画 次代の暮らしに役立つ開発を

Efforts should be expedited to create and improve a structure in which the strength of Japan’s long-cultivated science and technology will flourish. 日本が培ってきた科学技術の力を花開かせる体制整備を急ぎたい。

The government endorsed at a Cabinet meeting the 5th Science and Technology Basic Plan, a five-year program devised to lay down guidelines for the nation’s science and technology policy, effective next fiscal year. 政府は、来年度から５年間の科学技術政策の指針となる「第５期科学技術基本計画」を閣議決定した。

One of its main pillars is to build what can be described as a “super-smart society” that will network such apparatuses as robots, artificial intelligence and information technology equipment. 柱の一つが、ロボットや人工知能、ＩＴ機器などをネットワーク化させる「超スマート社会」の実現だ。

If widely spread, much of this technology, including nursing-care robots, will help enable people to live comfortably. It can be widely applied in such fields as transportation, medical and financial services.介護ロボットなど、普及すれば快適な暮らしに役立つ技術が多い。交通や医療、金融といった分野での応用範囲は広い。

In the United States, various corporations are moving forward with projects that transcend their primary lines of work, as illustrated by Google Inc.’s ambitious efforts to build a self-driving car. Although Japan has a large number of information-related companies and researchers, there have been conspicuous delays in this respect due to such factors as their less-than-satisfactory financial strength. 米国では、グーグルが自動運転車の開発に挑むなど、業種の壁を越えたプロジェクトが進む。日本にも情報関連企業や研究者は多いが、資金力が劣ることなどから、立ち遅れが目立つ。

The new basic plan has pointed to the necessity of building and improving facilities and an information infrastructure that can be shared by corporations. To survive international competition in this field, the public and private sectors need to make integrated efforts to achieve this goal. 基本計画は、各社が共用できる施設や情報基盤の整備の必要性を指摘した。国際競争に勝ち残るために、官民一体となった取り組みが求められる。

Another feature of the latest basic program is that an independent heading has been given to national security for the first time. This is aimed at emphasizing the importance of reinforcing cooperation between the government, industry and academia in the field of defense, thereby further encouraging the private sector to join the desired endeavor. 安全保障の項目を初めて設けたのも、今回の基本計画の特徴だ。防衛分野での産学官の連携強化を掲げることにより、一層の民間参入を促す狙いがある。

Increase researchers

With China’s increased maritime and space activities, acts of international terrorism and cyber-attacks in mind, the basic plan will also seek to promote necessary research and development from now on. Efforts should be made to successfully put into practical use such technology as drone control techniques, a field of study in which universities are already making progress, as well as ultrahigh-performance resin. 中国の海洋・宇宙進出や国際テロ、サイバー攻撃などを念頭に、今後、研究開発を進める。大学で既に研究が進む無人飛行機の制御技術や、超高性能樹脂などの実用化を目指したい。

It is worrying to note the decline in the competence of Japan’s scientific research. The basic plan expresses a sense of urgency about the lack of a desired increase in the number of theses in the realm of natural science, as well as those authored jointly with foreign scientists. 気がかりなのは、日本の研究力の低下である。基本計画も、自然科学系の論文数や国際的な共著論文数が、思うように伸びていないことに危機感を示している。

Being quoted by many scientists is proof of the excellence of a thesis. Since the beginning of this century, Japan has suffered a continued decline in the ranking of nations whose top-level theses are frequently quoted. 論文が多くの研究者に引用されるのは、優れた内容であることの証しだ。引用数が多いトップレベルの論文の割合を国別に比較した調査で、日本の順位は、今世紀に入って低下を続けている。

A major task facing the country is how to increase the number of researchers who can actively work internationally. Extending long-term assistance to scientists, not just excessively emphasizing their immediate accomplishments, is essential for the pursuit of this goal. 世界的に活躍できる研究者をいかに増やしていくかが、日本の大きな課題である。目先の成果を過度に重視するのでなく、息の長い支援が求められる。

In many cases, young researchers who have obtained doctorates end up with limited-term positions at universities and elsewhere. They cannot afford to spend sufficient time on research activities. The situation has been viewed as a matter of social concern. 博士号取得後の若手研究者は、大学などで任期が限られたポストにしか就けないケースが多い。じっくりと研究に取り組めないことが問題となっている。

We believe increasing the number of researchers with stable positions will be conducive to improving Japan’s research and development abilities. 身分が安定した研究者を増やすことが、日本の研究開発力の向上につながるだろう。

Little progress is being made in increasing the percentage of female scientists. This is evident from one of the targets cited in the fourth basic plan, which sought to increase the percentage of women researchers to 30 percent of all newly employed scientists. This target remains unmet. 女性研究者の割合も伸び悩んでいる。「新規採用で３割」という第４期計画の目標は未達成だ。

Advancing scientific technology that explores the unknown fields requires a diversity of human resources. It is also indispensable to facilitate an environment conducive to scientific work, so talented researchers can actively work to the fullest. 未知の領域に挑む科学技術を発展させるためには、多様な人材が必要である。有能な研究者が存分に活躍できるよう、働きやすい環境の整備も欠かせない。

2016年01月24日

The Yomiuri ShimbunAmari must not avoid explaining about scandal involving political funds甘利氏献金報道 疑惑解明へ説明から逃げるな

A politics-and-money scandal involving Akira Amari, state minister in charge of economic revitalization − who has been acting as a control tower of the economic policies of the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe − has emerged. 安倍政権の経済政策の司令塔役である甘利経済再生相に、政治とカネを巡る疑惑が浮上した。

Amari must unravel the facts promptly and make full explanations. 甘利氏は、早急に実態を解明し、きちんと説明せねばならない。

The scandal was reported by Shukan Bunshun, a weekly magazine. The magazine alleges that Amari and his secretaries received illegal donations from a construction company in Shiroi, Chiba Prefecture, in return for extending influence to resolve an issue of compensation over a land dispute involving road construction. 疑惑は、週刊文春が報道した。甘利氏や秘書が、土地トラブルの補償を巡る口利きの見返りとして千葉県白井市の建設会社から違法献金を受けたというものだ。

His secretaries were allegedly involved in negotiations over compensation with the Urban Renaissance Agency. The value of the funds and entertainment that the construction company allegedly provided Amari and his close aides is said to total \12 million, including \500,000 in cash Amari reportedly received at his ministerial office in November 2013. 都市再生機構（ＵＲ）との補償交渉には、秘書が関与したとされる。２０１３年１１月に甘利氏が大臣室で５０万円を受け取るなど、甘利氏側への資金提供や接待は計１２００万円に上るという。

If the allegations of influence-peddling and acceptance of cash prove true, it will have serious consequences. Amari and his secretaries may face charges of graft for influence-peddling and violation of such laws as the Political Funds Control Law. 仮に口利きや現金授受が事実ならば、重大な問題だ。あっせん利得罪や政治資金規正法違反などに問われる可能性がある。

What kind of relationship did Amari’s office have with the construction company, and how were the secretaries involved in the negotiations for compensation? What actually happened in connection with the alleged donations? Amari must conduct detailed investigations into these matters and provide compelling explanations. 甘利事務所と建設会社はどんな関係で、秘書は補償交渉にどう関わったのか。献金の実態はどうだったのか。これらについて、事実関係を詳しく調査し、納得のいく説明を行うべきである。

Concerning the allegations involving his secretaries, Amari said verification will be conducted by a team that includes specialists. Depending on the results of the probe, his supervisory responsibility for secretaries may be questioned. 甘利氏は秘書の疑惑について、専門家を交えて検証する考えを示した。その内容次第では、秘書に対する監督責任も問われよう。

Minimize impact on TPP

Amari declared during a news conference that he “did nothing illegal.” But he acknowledged part of the magazine report, including meeting with officials of the construction company. He said, “There are some discrepancies between what was reported in the article and what I remember.” These explanations are not enough to dispel the suspicions. 甘利氏は記者会見で、「法に反する行為はしていない」と明言した。ただ、建設会社関係者との面会は認め、「記事と私の記憶が違うところが何点かある」と語るなど、報道の一部は肯定している。これでは疑惑は払拭されない。

In regard to the allegation that he received cash, Amari said, “Within a week, I will check my memory and speak about it.” As he stated, he must hold himself accountable. 自らの現金授受に関して「１週間以内に記憶を確認してお話しできる」と強調した。発言通り、説明責任を果たす必要がある。

Amari represented Japan in the negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement, which will be signed in a ceremony scheduled for Feb. 4. He will take charge of answering interpellations during the current Diet sessions on TPP-related bills. 甘利氏は、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉の責任者で、２月４日にはＴＰＰ署名式が予定される。今国会でのＴＰＰ関連法案の審議でも、専ら答弁に立つ。

It is necessary to minimize the impact of the scandal on deliberations on TPP bills. 今回の献金疑惑がＴＰＰ法案の審議に影響を与えることは最小限にとどめる必要がある。

Three ministers − including Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yuko Obuchi − have resigned over scandals involving politics and money since the second Abe Cabinet was inaugurated in December 2012. 「政治とカネ」の問題では、１２年１２月の第２次安倍内閣の発足以来、小渕優子経済産業相ら閣僚３人が辞任している。

In charge of promoting Abenomics economic policies, Amari is a principal minister of the Abe Cabinet along with other Cabinet members including Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga. The latest scandal is considered more serious than the past cases and may shake the backbone of the Abe administration, depending on how it evolves. 甘利氏は、経済政策「アベノミクス」を担当し、菅官房長官らとともに、内閣の中核を担う主要閣僚である。今回の疑惑は、過去の「政治とカネ」の問題と比べても重く、展開次第では安倍政権の屋台骨を揺るがしかねない。

Entrusting Amari with how to deal with the matter, Abe said he believes “Amari will be accountable.” Ahead of the House of Councillors election set for this summer, Abe must realize the stern fact that dark clouds have started forming over his administration and remain alert. 安倍首相は、甘利氏に対応を任せ、「説明責任を果たしてくれると確信している」と語った。夏に参院選を控えて、安倍政権に暗雲が漂い始めているとの厳しい自覚と緊張感を持つ必要がある。

2016年01月23日

It has become clear that the threat of terrorism, influenced by radical ideology, has spread from the Middle East, Europe and the United States to Southeast Asia. 過激思想の影響を受けたテロの脅威が、中東、欧米から、東南アジアにまで浸透していることが鮮明になった。

A group of men exploded bombs and exchanged gunfire with police in central Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, the nation with the world’s largest Muslim population. Eight people, including four perpetrators, died and more than 20 others were injured. 世界最大のイスラム人口を抱えるインドネシアの首都ジャカルタの中心部で、男らが爆弾を爆発させ、警官隊と銃撃戦を繰り広げた。犯行グループ４人を含む８人が死亡し、２０人以上が負傷した。

The scene of the attacks was in a downtown area where a large commercial facility is located. The Japanese Embassy is also nearby. As in the case of simultaneous terrorist attacks carried out in Paris in November last year, the latest attacks were made against “soft targets” such as a coffee shop, where security is relatively light. 現場は、大型商業施設などがある繁華街で、日本大使館にも近い。狙われたのは、昨年１１月のパリ同時テロと同様に、コーヒーショップなど警備が比較的手薄な「ソフトターゲット」である。

The authorities are investigating the incident as terrorism masterminded by an Indonesian militant who joined the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militant group and is now living in Syria. ISIL claimed responsibility for the attacks. 当局は、過激派組織「イスラム国」に加わったシリア滞在中のインドネシア人戦闘員が主導したテロと見て、捜査している。「イスラム国」も犯行声明を出した。

Such despicable brutality that indiscriminately attacks ordinary citizens and foreigners is intolerable. The international community must urgently strengthen cooperation in antiterrorism measures. 一般市民や外国人を無差別に襲う卑劣な蛮行は許されない。国際社会が改めてテロ対策で連携を強めることが急務だ。

It was reported that the mastermind of the Jakarta attacks has been attempting to establish a Southeast Asian branch of ISIL and may have tried to expand ISIL’s influence in the region by waging terrorist attacks using Indonesian collaborators. この首謀者は、「イスラム国」の東南アジア支部の設立を企て、インドネシアの仲間を使ってテロを起こすことで影響力を拡大しようとした可能性があるという。

Promote unity

If this is true, it is a serious problem. The authorities must strive to uncover the whole truth of the latest incident and restore order. 事実とすれば、深刻な問題である。当局には、事件の全容解明と治安回復に努めてもらいたい。

It is also necessary to counter ISIL’s propaganda campaign by promoting unity among moderate Muslims. 穏健なイスラム教徒の結束を図り、「イスラム国」の宣伝戦に対抗することも求められる。

Activities of terrorist organizations have been abating in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries in recent years since the authorities tightened their crackdown on such groups. インドネシアなど東南アジア各国では近年、当局の取り締まりが強まったため、国内のテロ組織の活動が下火になっていた。

But these countries must stay alert against a possible revival of domestic terrorist organizations at the instigation of ISIL and the possibility that a united front between ISIL and those organizations will become more active. 「イスラム国」の扇動によって国内のテロ組織が息を吹き返し、両者の「共闘」が活発化する事態を警戒せねばならない。

It is said that about 380 people from Indonesia have joined ISIL. From Southeast Asia as a whole, about 600 people are said to have joined ISIL and other militant groups. 「イスラム国」には、インドネシアから約３８０人が参加したとされる。東南アジア全体では、「イスラム国」などに約６００人が加わっているともいわれる。

It is worrisome that there is an increasing risk that well-trained militants may return to their countries and commit large-scale terrorism. 心配なのは、訓練を積んだ戦闘員が帰国し、大規模なテロに及ぶ危険性が高まっていることだ。

In connection with this, the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations must strictly implement immigration controls and other measures. 東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）各国は、出入国管理などを厳格に実施する必要がある。

ISIL has clearly said that Japan is one of its targets. Terrorism that has reached Southeast Asia is not someone else’s problem. In December, the government established Counterterrorism Unit-Japan (CTU-J), which is tasked with consolidating information regarding terrorism overseas. 「イスラム国」は、日本も標的だと明言している。東南アジアまで迫ったテロは対岸の火事ではない。政府は昨年１２月、海外のテロ情報を集約する「国際テロ情報収集ユニット」を新設した。

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida stressed, “By utilizing the unit and other resources, we want to take steps to thoroughly ensure the safety of Japanese nationals overseas.” To this end, it is essential to share terrorist information with ASEAN countries. 岸田外相は「ユニットなども活用しつつ、海外の邦人の安全対策に万全を期したい」と強調している。ＡＳＥＡＮとテロリスト情報の共有を進めることが大切だ。

Cabinet minister Akira Amari said on Jan. 21 that he can't remember what happened during a visit to his office when, a weekly magazine alleges in its latest issue, he personally accepted 500,000 yen from a Chiba Prefecture-based construction company. "I remember accepting visitors, but my memories of what happened are vague," Amari, minister in charge of economic revitalization, said during a House of Councillors Audit Committee meeting. He also stated that "a thorough investigation will be conducted so that I can fulfill my responsibility to explain the situation." Amari furthermore indicated he intended to include third parties in the probe. The weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun carried an article in its Jan. 21 issue stating that Amari had accepted money from the construction firm in return for dispute mediation services provided by the minister and his aides. 甘利明経済再生担当相は２１日午前の参院決算委員会で、千葉県の建設会社から自身や秘書が口利きの依頼を受け、見返りに現金を受け取ったとの週刊文春（２１日発売）の報道について、「しっかり調査して説明責任を果たしたい」と述べ、第三者を交えた調査を行う意向を明らかにした。大臣室で自ら現金５０万円を受け取ったとの指摘には、「訪問を受けたのは事実だが、何をしたのかは記憶があいまいだ。整理して説明したい」と述べるにとどめ、否定しなかった。

"I will fulfill my duties with all my energy," Amari said, denying any intent to resign over the allegations. Regarding his aides' involvement, however, Amari said that "I first heard of it in media reports, and I'm now trying to confirm the details." Amari is the Abe government's point man on the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade deal, and the minister said he would do his utmost to prevent the money scandal allegations from affecting Diet deliberations on the treaty. 甘利氏は「託された職務を全力で全うする」と辞任を否定。罪に問われるような事実も「一切ない」と述べたが、秘書の疑惑については「報道で初めて知った。確認中だ」と語った。また、甘利氏が担当する環太平洋パートナーシップ協定（ＴＰＰ）の国会審議への影響は「出ないよう全力を尽くす」と述べた。

In response to a question from opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) lawmaker Misako Yasui, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said of Amari, "I believe that he will fulfill his responsibility to explain the situation." 安倍晋三首相は甘利氏について「説明責任を果たしてくれるものと確信している」と述べた。民主党の安井美沙子氏への答弁。

Meanwhile, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters that "of course we are setting up Mr. Amari's scheduled appearance" at the planned Feb. 4 TPP signing ceremony in New Zealand. Suga also revealed that the government is setting up Amari's trip to the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland. これと関連し、菅義偉官房長官は記者会見で、ニュージーランドで来月４日に行われるＴＰＰ署名式に関し「甘利氏の出席で当然調整していく」と言及。スイスでの世界経済フォーラム年次総会（ダボス会議）も甘利氏を派遣することで調整していることを明らかにした。

Opposition parties intend to use Diet deliberations to question Amari thoroughly over the possible money scandal. DPJ Diet affairs chief Yoshiaki Takaki stated, "Even as (Mr. Amari) pushes major changes to the lives and livelihoods of farming families, these allegations surface. This is an enormous problem." Takaki also said his party would "naturally be looking into" the prime minister's responsibility. 野党は今後の国会審議で徹底追及する方針だ。民主党の高木義明国対委員長は「農家に大きな生活の変化を強いる立場にありながら、こうした疑惑が出てきた。極めて問題は大きい」と指摘。首相の任命責任も「当然問われてくる」と語った。

Japan Innovation Party Diet affairs head Takashi Ishizeki added to the chorus of opposition party dismay over the possible scandal, saying, "From the perspective of the Japanese people, from the true feelings of the masses, I condemn this. The (ruling) Liberal Democratic Party is returning to its roots." 維新の党の石関貴史国対委員長も「国民の視線、庶民の実感から糾弾する。古い体質の自民党に戻っている」と批判した。

(no english part observed) ＴＰＰは安倍政権の成長戦略の柱で、２０１６年度予算案に関連経費も盛り込まれている。経団連の榊原定征会長は２１日、記者団に「透明性、公正性、説明責任をしっかり果たしていただきたい」と語った。